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RSh-12

The RSh-12 is a Russian large-calibre revolver chambered for the 12.7×55mm cartridge.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The RSh-12 is a Russian large-calibre revolver chambered for the 12.7×55mm cartridge. It was developed in Tula for special-purpose and counter-terrorism use, and is reported to be in limited service with Russian Federal Security Service units.

Design

The RSh-12 is a large revolver built around the 12.7×55mm cartridge. Descriptions in secondary sources note a five-round cylinder and a compact role focused on close-range use.

Development

The revolver was developed in Tula by a Russian design bureau for special-purpose forces. It is linked in reporting to broader Russian weapons programs that also produced other 12.7×55mm firearms.

Operational use

Available reporting says the RSh-12 was intended for elite counter-terrorism or special-operations units. Some sources say it entered only limited service, rather than widespread issue.

Ammunition

The RSh-12 uses the 12.7×55mm STs-130 family of cartridges. This ammunition is associated with other Russian special-purpose weapons and is often described as subsonic.

Key facts

  • The RSh-12 is a Russian large-calibre revolver chambered for the 12.7×55mm cartridge.
  • It was developed in Tula for special-purpose and counter-terrorism use.
  • The revolver has a five-round cylinder and a heavy-duty frame.
  • It is reported to be in limited service with Russian FSB counter-terrorism units.
  • The weapon is designed as a close-quarters combat sidearm.

Frequently asked questions

What is the RSh-12?
The RSh-12 is a Russian large-calibre revolver designed for special-purpose and counter-terrorism use.
What does RSh-12 stand for?
It is commonly expanded as “Revolver Shturmovoy 12.7,” or “Assault Revolver calibre 12.7.”
What cartridge does it use?
It is chambered for the 12.7×55mm STs-130 cartridge.
How many rounds does it hold?
Sources describe the RSh-12 as a five-round revolver.
Who uses it?
It is reported to have been developed for elite Russian special-forces and counter-terrorism units, including the FSB.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSh-12
    Supports: Basic identification, Russian origin, cartridge, and reported limited FSB service.
  2. Modern Firearms — https://modernfirearms.net/en/handguns/double-action-revolvers/russia-double-action-revolvers/rsh-12-2/
    Supports: Development for elite counter-terrorist units, special-purpose role, and limited service reporting.
  3. Zonwar / military encyclopedia — https://zonwar.ru/revolver/RsH-12.html
    Supports: Tula development, 12.7×55mm chambering, and five-round cylinder description.
  4. Internet Movie Firearms Database — https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/RSh-12
    Supports: General identification, naming, and early-2000s development claim.